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Topic Review (Newest First)

07-02-2014 04:27 PM

Longfisher

My Zeus is now 1.5 years and we too took it easy on him when he was young and only allowed short walks of less than 2 miles. Now he's older and we don't hesitate to go four as long as the summertime temperatures permit (Texas).

But, honestly, he really doesn't enjoy the last perhaps quarter of the walk. He's just in endurance mode. So, I don't see much point in it.

We've always walked him on concrete as we really didn't have much choice.

If you're trying to exercise your dog try swimming. It's very rigorous and they sleep like babies when you get them home, fed and penned.

LF

07-02-2014 04:26 PM

lalachka

It's not that walks are not good, they are. They're not enough to tire a dog out. So you can walk 10 miles (not with a pup) as long as you then still have it in you to do some exercise, as in your dog running.

I can't run and it's hard to find a good place to let him off leash, so I'm always struggling to find a way to exercise him. Fetch, tug, chase stuff, as long as he gets to run.

07-02-2014 04:20 PM

Pax8

How old is your GSD? Long walks may not be good for younger dogs when they're on concrete or pavement because it is hard on their joints. But I have always taken my puppies on walks on dirt trails and grass. The issue would be if you make them go much further than they can reasonably walk. I wouldn't expect an 8 week old puppy to take a five mile hike. But age appropriate walks can be very good. It allows them to take in the world around them, get in some smells, and bond and train with you.

Circuit training could be good as long as the dog is older and has worked up to a point that she can handle the exercise without overtaxing herself.

07-02-2014 04:14 PM

Brighamb

Is circuit training good since walking isn't.

So, finding out in my last post that long walls isn't good for a German Shepherd which I don't know why it's not when it's exercise. Is circuit training good. If you don't know what circuit training is. It's when you sprint for as long as possible then walk until you just get to the point of catching your breath but still breathing heavily then go right back to sprinting. My dog is not no leash trained since there's still a lot of things that makes her want to run after. So bicycling won't work. Plus, she doesn't like bikes at all.

If that's not good. Then what is and why isn't long walks good for German Shepherds.